Things to do with the Parents

Okay, I’m asking for some help in planning my weekend. My father is coming to town and I’ve got a few ideas of what to do, but I’ve only sketched it in. He’s visited at least a dozen times, and he’s pretty famliar with the city. Here’s what I’ve got to suggest for our itinerary:

Hollywood Bowl – Willie Nelson is playing
Disney Concert Hall – just take a tour in the afternoon
Wine Tasting – Silverlake Wine has tastings on Sundays
Getty – we’ve done this before
Long Beach Aquarium – I’ve never been there, but I’m not sure how much of a “fish” person my dad is
Chinatown/Little Tokyo/Jewelry District
Catalina

The Venice canals are a great sunset walk. Cocktails at the Standard downtown too. In my opinion, the tour in the Disney Opera hall kinda blows for what it costs (over 10 bucks!). You do not get to go into the hall, just the common areas. The garden and the roof view are great, but you don’t need to pay to see them.

If you opt for Disney Hall, DON’T take the tour. You’re better off spending the extra few bucks on actual concert tix as the tour doesn’t go into the actual hall, which is the BEST part!

The cheapest seats, those behind the musicians, are the best for appreciating the architecture and you really get to be close to the orchestra. I like Casual Fridays and the Sunday Samplers… great way to pass the time for under $20.

I often get rave reviews from those I send to The Nethercutt Collection, and regardless of one’s political affiliation, The Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum in Simi Valley (which now includes an impressive Air Force One on display) also earns very high marks and requests for repeat visits.

Then again, absolutely everybody carries on for year’s whenever I take them to have a simple lunch at the Police Academy, followed by a trip to the Coroner’s Office… gift shop that is! Yes, they are both open to the public.

Hiking in the Santa Monica mountains is a good option if your Dad is up for it. Topanga Canyon State Park offers a particularly spectacular view of the Pacific all the way to Downtown on a clear day. There’s also a hike with a waterfall (I forgot the name), Paseo Miramar offers another great view of the ocean, and a bunch of other ones all along PCH towards Malibu.